The Struggle To Make Ends Meet

by FRENCH, B.V. & PRASHER, G. | Category: Pressure Points | Apr 2003

It is estimated that one-third of the world's population go to bed hungry every day. What a sad reflection on human mismanagement, when resources could be made available to produce and distribute sufficient food for all! War, greed and exploitation are among the causes of low living standards endured by millions in today's world.

For many living in such straitened circumstances the pressures are intense. There is the daily struggle to find enough food for the family; the frustration of being unable to support the education of children; or the anxiety when sick children cannot be given needed medical care. Problems are endless and often there seems no prospect of relief from the struggle.

Nor are disciples of Christ promised exemption from such circumstances. God's thoughts and ways are so different from ours! 'Listen ... Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith ...?' (James 2:5). Richness of faith is so often the result of circumstances which make us realize our entire dependence on God. 'Give us this day our daily bread' becomes so much more meaningful when food supplies are scarce. Looking hourly to God for His provision cultivates an attitude of expectant faith; a quality in our Christian lives which is to God more precious than gold (1 Pet.1:7). Not that the believer should seek poverty for its own sake. Slaves who had opportunity to become free were advised by the apostle Paul to accept their liberty (1 Cor.7:21); but Paul also warned against desiring to be rich (1 Tim 6:9). 'Give me neither poverty nor riches' was wise Agur's prayer in Proverbs 30:8, a commendable desire before the Lord. However, for Christians under severe pressure through poor circumstances there is much in Scripture to encourage and uphold.

'As poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things' (2 Cor.6:10). These striking contrasts impress on us the reality of true values as God accounts them. Paul and his helpers knew times of financial need, yet through their witness in the gospel those won to Christ were eternally enriched. For believers in the Lord Jesus may have little of this world's assets yet possess spiritual blessings of inestimable and eternal value.

'I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content ... I have learned both to be full and to be hungry' (Phil.4:11,12). How much God is still glorified today through Christians who have also learned this secret of contentment despite limited material blessings! They are content to abide with God in the circumstances where He has placed them. They live out the truth that 'godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content' (1 Tim.6:6-8).

Christians now living in conditions of extreme deprivation may draw inspiration from many Bible examples. There was the famine-stricken widow of Zarephath who from her last handful of meal first made a little cake for the prophet Elijah (1 Kin.17:12,13). Or the poor widow who put into the Temple treasury all that she had, two mites, her whole livelihood (Mark 12:41,42). Above all, the One who emptied Himself to take the form of a slave, so poor in this world that though foxes have holes and birds nests, the Son of Man had nowhere to lay His head (Mat.8:20).

In a time of deep trial David wrote, 'I am poor and needy; Yet the LORD thinks upon me, You are my help and my deliverer' (Ps.40:17). Trusting in Him we also may rely on His support at all times, even when illness and unemployment add to the stress of finding enough to eat. He knows our circumstances and in His wisdom has permitted the trial. God has at times revealed His power and thus strengthened faith, so that even in suffering we can endure with Him. The world watches because it has no answer. Jesus said, 'Do not worry about your life' and reminded His hearers that their heavenly Father feeds and clothes, 'and knows that you need all these things' (Mat.6:25-32). At times of anxiety we are directed to God's promises: 'my God shall supply all your need' (Phil.4:19). Often His help may come in ways we would never have expected, leaving us with hearts bowed in thankful adoration. We clearly see that this must have been the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes, making us feel the reality of His working for our personal care.

FRENCH, B.V. & PRASHER, G. | Apr 2003
Pressure Points